How to Pack Your Shipments
Help protect your parcel from the start. Follow these best practices and packaging tips to ensure your UPS shipment is secure and your products are protected.
Packaging Tips
To help ensure your shipments are ready for transport, we have general packaging guidelines for adequately securing them.
- Choose the Right Box
Use a rigid box with flaps attached, and do not exceed the maximum weight limit for the box (weight limits appear on the bottom flap).
- Pick the Right Packaging Materials
Use the appropriate cushioning material to protect internal items. Seal and place bottles and containers in plastic or spill-proof bags.
- Only Use Shipping Tape
Do not use masking, cellophane, duct or water activated paper tapes, string or paper over-wrap. Securely seal closures and seams.
- Remove or Conceal Any Old Labels
If any labels, hazardous materials indicators or other previous shipment markings are on the box ensure they are removed or covered.
- Secure Your UPS Shipping Label
Securely attach a UPS-issued paper shipping document or label generated through an approved UPS automated shipping system.
- Add a Duplicate Address Label Inside
Place a duplicate address label inside the box that displays clear, complete delivery and return information.
Packaging Materials to Protect Your Items
Below are a variety of materials you can use to pack your shipment.
- Expanded Polystyrene Foam (EPS or Packing Peanuts)
Use no less than two inches (five centimetres) of loose filler material around lightweight items for cushioning around contents. It’s not ideal for flat, narrow products that may move in transit.
Note: EPS causes static electricity that may damage electronic items. Use anti-static foam for electronic items, along with bubble sheeting around the item. - Air-Encapsulated Plastic (Bubble Wrap)
Use to protect and cushion lightweight items by applying multiple wraps and layers to ensure that the item is completely protected, especially on corners and edges.
Note: When wrapping product, use flat surface of bubble wrap (bubbles facing away from product). - Inflatable Packaging (Air Bags)
Use as void-fill material for lightweight items without sharp corners or edges.
Note: Extreme hot or cold temperatures may affect the ability of air bags to provide adequate product protection. - Crumpled Kraft Paper
Ideal as void-fill material for lightweight, non-fragile items but must be tightly crumpled. Place at least two inches (five centimetres) of paper between contents and outer box. - Corrugated Liners and Inserts
May be added to the parcel to increase box strength.
FAQ
The one-box method is recommended for pre-packaged, soft, durable, easily soiled, or tiny, granular goods.
The two-box method is recommended for sharp or fragile goods, bags and accessories, travel and luxury items.
How to use the two-box packaging method:
- Step 1: Choose your box.
- Step 2: Fill empty spaces within the box with any of the following filler materials to limit movement during shipping: cell bubble sheeting, loose-fill peanuts, kraft paper, and other similar material.
- Step 3: For the outer box, use a box that has a depth, width, and length six inches (15 centimetres) greater than the inner box.
- Step 4: Secure your box with an additional three inches (7.6 centimetres) of cushioning material around the inner box to fill the spaces between the inner box and outer box.
- Step 5: Fill the box with more filler material of your choice to cover any remaining empty spaces.
- Step 6: Tape closures and seams to seal your parcel.
Rolled goods travel best when shipped in corrugated boxes. If a fabric or wallpaper roll is shipped in a bag, UPS recommends a bag with a minimum thickness of six millimetres.
- Make sure the bag is tightly wrapped and taped against the roll to reduce the risk of tearing.
- A tail on an item shipped in a bag must be compressed to the body of the item using tape.
- Place the address label on a flat surface of the item being shipped.
- Place duplicate address labels inside cores or between top layers of material.
- An additional handling charge may apply.